It's time once again to prepare for the 2025 City of Penticton Budget!
Based on your input, City Council has identified key priorities for the year: enhancing safety, security, and housing needs. Rising crime levels in Penticton reflect an increased burden from the downloading of provincial responsibilities. This has created immense challenges with mental health issues and drug addiction, and has left our community with insufficient resources to address them adequately.
This brings us to the 2025 budget discussions. The current economic climate is affecting everyone, and initial recommendations from staff suggest an 8% property tax increase. I am committed to working toward a more sustainable figure in these challenging times. Any new staff additions should focus on strengthening community safety, such as additional RCMP or bylaw officers, to help curb our increasing crime rates. Residents of Penticton deserve a secure and peaceful community.
Please join us for an Open House on October 29th from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Council members and staff from all departments will be present. I want to hear your priorities concerning the 2025 Budget.